Small School. Big Opportunities
Discover Cristo Rey Birmingham
- Do you thrive in small class sizes with supportive teachers?
- Are you motivated to succeed in high school and graduate from college?
- Do you want to work one day a week at some of the top businesses in Birmingham?
- Are you determined to go as far in life as your talents and effort will take you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you just might be a future Cristo Rey Tornado!
Admissions Team
Mrs. Rachel Smith, '11
Ms. Britney Gonzalez, '20
Ms. Erika Montoya
Simple Admissions Process
Become a Tornado in 3 Easy Steps
Applying to Cristo Rey Birmingham is easy—and we’re here to help every step of the way! Follow these three steps to join our close-knit, college-prep community, where big opportunities await.
1. Tour the School
Come see what makes Cristo Rey so special! Text "school tour" to 205-202-1291 or fill out our inquiry form to schedule your visit and learn more about our college-prep academics, work study program, and vibrant school community.
2. Submit Your Application & Required Documents
Complete your online application and upload or bring in the necessary documents, like your birth certificate, report cards, and test scores. Our admissions team will walk you through each step of the process.
3. Interview & Parent Meeting to Finalize Enrollment
We’ll schedule a student interview and a parent/guardian meeting. This is our chance to get to know your goals—and for your family to ask questions, learn more, and complete the final steps to join Cristo Rey. Our Admissions Team will then review your application and notify you of your acceptance decision.
Learn More
Information for Prospective Students & Families
- Family Tuition Contribution: Between $500 and $2,500 per year
- Sliding scale based on income and family size
- Tuition is divided into 10 monthly payments, ranging from $50 to $250 per month
- Yearly Student Activity Fee: $250
Tuition & Fees: Private School Made Affordable
At Cristo Rey, we make a private school education accessible to families who might not otherwise be able to afford it. We only accept students whose family income qualifies them for scholarships, ensuring affordability for all.
All families complete a Financial Aid Information Form, which helps determine tuition on a sliding scale.
- Full Tuition Cost: $11,675/year per student
- Family Contributions: Set on a sliding scale, accounting for income and family size
- How Costs Are Covered:
- Corporate Work Study Program Participation
- Scholarships through the Alabama Accountability Act or Education Savings Accounts through the CHOOSE Act
- Philanthropic donations
- Commitment to Access: No family is turned away due to financial need
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CHOOSE Act and Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)
The CHOOSE Act, signed into law in 2024, provides up to $7,000 per year in an Educational Savings Account (ESA) to cover tuition and other qualifying educational expenses.
IMPORTANT: Students cannot receive both ESA funds and an AAA scholarship. Our Admissions Team is available to guide families through choosing the best option for their child's educational needs.
Scholarships & Education Savings Accounts
At Cristo Rey, we strive to make tuition affordable by offering two options for financial assistance: scholarships through the Alabama Accountability Act (AAA) and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) under the CHOOSE Act. While families can only choose one of these programs, our Admissions Team is dedicated to guiding you through the application process and helping you select the option that best fits your needs.
Alabama Accountability Act (AAA) Scholarships
The Alabama Accountability Act funds scholarships for low-income students through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Cristo Rey partners with two SGOs:
- Scholarships for Kids (SFK): A Birmingham-based SGO. Parents/guardians cannot apply directly but must submit the application through the school’s portal. SFK notifies the school of the application status.. Learn more about SFK
- C2 Opportunity Scholarships: This SGO supports Catholic education and offers scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis. Families must meet income guidelines to qualify. Learn more about C2 Opportunity Scholarships
You can also contact our Admissions team at admissions@cristoreybhm.org or 205.263.0133 to schedule a private tour.
Fast Facts About Cristo Rey
- All students in grades 9 through 12 participate in our Corporate Work Study Program, where they serve as entry-level interns at some of Birmingham's top companies, such as Alabama Power, Hoar Construction, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. In total, we partner with more than 40 corporate organizations!
- Tuition is on a sliding scale basis and can run anywhere from $50 to $250 per month with scholarship opportunities available! Quality education at an affordable price is extremely important to us.
- You do NOT have to be Catholic to attend. We welcome and encourage students of any and all faiths to join our school community!
- 100% of our seniors are accepted into college each year! Currently, HFCR has alumni enrolled at Harvard University, Rice University, Georgetown University, Howard University, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, and many more.
The best way to learn about everything that Cristo Rey has to offer is by touring our school! Text “school tour” to 205.202.1291 or email our admissions team at admissions@cristoreybhm.org to schedule your visit
About Cristo Rey Birmingham
What is Cristo Rey Birmingham?
Cristo Rey Birmingham (formerly Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School) is an independent Catholic high school serving the families of the Birmingham metro area. Cristo Rey is committed to providing our scholars with a college-preparatory education and real-world work experience through the Corporate Work Study Program. We are accredited through Cognia and affiliated with the Cristo Rey Network.
What happened to Holy Family?
In 2026, the school changed its name from Holy Family Cristo Rey to Cristo Rey Birmingham. Our students today come from 31 zip codes across multiple counties, not just one neighborhood, and since our move to Titusville from Ensley, there has been confusion about whether we had closed. Cristo Rey Birmingham reflects the full reach of who we are and connects us to a national network of more than 40 schools that families, colleges, and employers already know and trust. For more information, visit our Holy Family Legacy page.
What are the tuition rates?
Tuition is based on a sliding scale, ranging from $50 to $250 monthly. Scholarships are available, and no family is turned away due to financial need! More details will be provided during your interview.
Does Cristo Rey offer transportation?
Yes! We provide daily shuttle bus routes to several locations, including:
- St. Barnabas Catholic Church (East Birmingham)
- Holy Family Academy (West Birmingham)
- Pelham
- Bessemer (Coming Soon!)
- Titusville neighborhood (Coming Soon!)
Is there a uniform?
Yes. Our uniform reflects our values of respect for ourselves and others, pride in our institution, and conveys professionalism to our community. Students wear a white shirt with the school logo, navy pants or a skirt, and solid black, brown, or white shoes.
About the Admissions Process
Can we schedule a Shadow Day before completing an interview?
Yes! Shadow Days can be scheduled at any point in the admissions process. Call, text, or email us at anytime for more details.
What if we need to reschedule our admissions interview?
Please text or call us at 205.202.1291 to find a new date and time that work for you.
Where does the interview take place?
Admissions interviews are held at the school, located at 1832 Center Way South, Birmingham, AL 35205. Upon arrival, look for signs pointing you towards the main entrance. The admissions office is just inside the main entrance doors!
Can the admissions interview be conducted virtually?
At this time, we require all interviews to be conducted in person. This allows your family to tour the school, meet faculty & staff, and fully experience Cristo Rey.
What documents are we required to submit?
Click here for a list of required documents. Our admissions team will provide more information on how to submit your documents: most families bring their required documents with them to their scheduled interview.
What if we don't have all the required documents on interview day?
Bring what you can, and we'll discuss a timeline for submitting the remaining documents. However, remember that missing documents may delay your official admissions decision.
You've got questions—we have answers. Tap the blue buttons below to see some quick facts about Cristo Rey, as well as other frequently asked questions about our school and the admissions process.
4 Datos Sobre Cristo Rey
Sobre Cristo Rey Birmingham
Sobre el Proceso de Admisión
Admissions Team
Mrs. Rachel Smith, '11
Ms. Britney Gonzalez, '20
Ms. Erika Montoya
